LEGO Technic Mechanics

This week we began learning about LEGO construction techniques. Seanna Watson, our resident LEGO expert, showed us a few tips and tricks of LEGO construction and demonstrated how strong and solid a rover can be... and survive the crash of landing on MARS. Our first challenge is to build a dragster. The goal is for the dragster to travel the largest distance in 5 seconds. The idea is to get familiar with the various LEGO parts, how to keep the car light, while picking the right wheel and gear sizes for a peek acceleration. The team leaders, are as usual, available to provide us with assistance and suggestions. Here's Mr. G trying to identify a strange LEGO part.

Recreating Our Solar System

Our participants have been working on creating a miniature replica of our solar system.

They researched the planets of the system, created planet fact sheets and positioned them along a string that shows the scaled down distances between the planets.

Mission to Mars :: 2009 Calendar

Here's a short video on what to expect @ Mission to Mars in October, November & December.

2009-2010 Mission Schedule

Welcome to the 2009-2010 Mission to Mars program ! We have been working on some program modifications during the Summer break. This time around, the mission participants will start the program with a common engineering, science & technology stream. This common stream begins in October and completes just before the vacation break in December. Upon return from the break, the participants will be asked to form engineering and scientific teams. The missions presented from January to June will provide engineering challenges and scientific research work. Throughout the program, the teams will be asked to "blog" their experiences, missions and discoveries.

Getting Ready for a New Mars Mission

The Mission to Mars volunteers have been busy during the summer. The program is again offered at the Pinecrest Public school in Ottawa. The program start date is forecast to be mid-October and will run until mid-June. Visit again in October to see the meet the new crews and see what kind of challenges will face them this year... I heard something about camping on Mars ? ;-)